RADIO
Jeremiyah Love Expected to Play Sunday
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, but NFL Insider Adam Schefter suggested that he's expected to play in Sunday's season opener against the Chargers. Love injured his ankle in a preseason game against the Raiders in which he was given 14 opportunities, but he has since made steady progress, and his presence on Wednesday is an encouraging sign for his Week 1 availability. The third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Love has the highest Offensive Rookie of the Year odds and is expected to quickly become a focal point of the Cardinals' new-look offense under head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his progress throughout the week, and while the potential of a limited snap count still exists to begin the year, Love is trending in the right direction.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Deebo Samuel Sr. Draws Tough Matchup In First Game Back With 49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is back with his former team after spending 2025 with the Washington Commanders. Samuel played with the 49ers from 2019 to 2024, during which time he averaged 55.7 receptions and 798.7 receiving yards per season. The team lists the 30-year-old receiver as starting opposite Mike Evans on their depth chart to start the season. Samuel will be competing not only with Evans for targets, but also rookie De'Zhaun Stribling and safety valve Christian McCaffrey. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to be on a pitch count in Week 1, which might afford Samuel some extra looks. In Week 1, Samuel will likely face off against cornerback Trent McDuffie, who has held the receiver in check in their past meetings. Samuel ranks as a borderline WR4/5 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings. Given the matchup and competition for targets, Samuel is a risky play in the first week of the season.
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Mike Evans Could Emerge As 49ers' Top Target In Week 1
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans will make his team debut on Thursday in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Evans is listed as the team's WR1, working opposite Deebo Samuel Sr. and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to be on a pitch count for Week 1, which will likely keep Evans more involved. Evans' 6-foot-5, 231-pound frame might make him an attractive target for Brock Purdy against Rams' cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Evans was limited throughout the preseason while managing quad and groin injuries, but downplayed the severity in a press conference this week and said that they would not have cost him game time. Evans projects as a borderline WR2/3 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings. He is a safe start in most leagues and should definitely be in the lineup in leagues that start three wide receivers.
Source: Dylan Grausz - NBC Sports Bay Area
Source: Dylan Grausz - NBC Sports Bay Area
Ashton Jeanty Will Play on Sunday
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice, and NFL Insider Adam Schefter confirmed on Thursday that he would play in the season opener against the Dolphins. Jeanty injured his ankle in late August, drawing headlines with a dramatic exit, but he has since returned to the practice field and is not expected to be limited in Week 1. In his absence, fourth-round rookie Mike Washington Jr. positioned himself for a significant change-of-pace role through three dominant preseason outings, and it remains to be seen how new head coach Klint Kubiak will split carries in his first game with the Raiders. After handling a bell cow role as a rookie, expectations are high for Jeanty if the offense as a whole can take a step forward, and he is RotoBaller's RB15 for Week 1.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Kyler Murray Well-Positioned for a Significant Bounce-Back
Since finishing as the fantasy QB3 in 2020, veteran quarterback Kyler Murray has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, playing in at least 14 games only twice while finishing as the QB19 or lower in three of the past five seasons. Following his release from the Arizona Cardinals, he signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings and now finds himself in a prime environment for a bounce-back season. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has long been respected for the work he has done with his quarterbacks, while four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been regarded as one of the top players at the position since entering the league in 2020. After winning the starting job in training camp, Murray finds himself at the helm of what was a top-six passing offense as recently as 2024 before facing significant quarterback concerns a season ago. With the mobility to provide a healthy fantasy floor and the surrounding playmakers to elevate his ceiling, the former first overall pick is a candidate to greatly outperform expectations as he enters the year as RotoBaller's QB19.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian McCaffrey Healthy, Projected As Top-Three RB Option For Week 1
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) spent much of the preseason limited with what was described in numerous reports as general tightness. McCaffrey later explained that his extended absence from team drills was part of the team's plan to keep him fresh in 2026 after racking up 414 touches in 2025. McCaffrey was not listed on injury reports this week and carries no designation ahead of the 49ers' season opener against the Rams. Injuries to the 49ers' offense in 2025 paved the way for McCaffrey to be the team's leading receiver. San Francisco fleshed out its wide receiver room in the offseason, reuniting with Deebo Samuel Sr., signing free agent Mike Evans, and drafting rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. With the new additions, there may be fewer opportunities for McCaffrey as a pass catcher. Still, he will remain the focal point of Kyle Shanahan's dynamic offense and, when healthy, has the potential to be the top running back in fantasy football week-to-week. McCaffrey projects as a top-3 option at his position in Week 1.
Source: Jennifer Lee Chan
Source: Jennifer Lee Chan
Jadarian Price Quiet but Efficient in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries against the New England Patriots on Wednesday night. He also added two receptions for six yards. Price started the game and ran ahead of fellow running back George Holani. The two finished with similar carry counts (10 to eight) and snap shares (48% to 46%). However, Price was the more effective back, with Holani only gaining 29 yards on his carries. The Seahawks' offense was out of sorts for much of this game, but Price still had a couple of explosive runs that were eye-popping. He is clearly the most talented healthy running back on the roster, and Seattle figures to use him more and more as the season progresses. While his overall fantasy output was pedestrian at best, Price was still the clear lead back. With quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) potentially a candidate to miss some time, Seattle may lean on the run even more moving forward. Expect the offense to right the ship sooner rather than later, giving Price plenty of chances to score fantasy points. He draws a juicy matchup with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sam Darnold to be Ready by Week 3?
Updating a previous report, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) is expected to miss the Week 2 contest against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, but he should be back sooner rather than later and could be out just a few weeks, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. With 17 days until the Seahawks' Week 3 game against the Washington Commanders, it is possible that Darnold could be ready by then. The 29-year-old only attempted two passes before injuring his hip in Wednesday night's 13-10 victory over the visiting New England Patriots and was forced to leave. Although Darnold will not play next weekend, the Seahawks dodged a bullet with Darnold avoiding a long-term injury. Backup Drew Lock did enough to lead Seattle to a come-from-behind win to kick off the season, going 16-for-22 passing with 187 yards and one touchdown. Lock will be a short-term streaming option in Week 2 in Arizona in superflex leagues with Darnold missing at least one game. Fantasy managers who have Darnold rostered in two-QB leagues should hang tight and hold him while he recovers.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Breece Hall Not Expected to be on a Pitch Count
New York Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich said on Thursday that there will be no anticipated pitch count for running back Breece Hall (groin) in the Week 1 season opener this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Reich said he likes to rotate RBs anyway, but "unless AG and the training staff give us a rep count, we just go play ball." Hall should be good for his normal rep count in the season opener despite being held out of practices late in training camp due to a minor groin issue. He has practiced so far this week and should be locked into starting fantasy lineups as at least a strong RB2 option for managers to kick off the season in a new-look offense led by veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will continue to be sprinkled in, but Hall is the Jets' clear workhorse back when he is healthy, and he should continue to see plenty of volume. The 25-year-old is coming off his first career 1,000-yard season with four rushing touchdowns on 243 carries in 2025, adding 36 receptions for 350 yards and another TD through the air in 16 starts.
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Brock Purdy Still a QB2 Against Rams' Improved Defense
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy lost out on eight games of production in 2025 while dealing with turf toe. In nine games, Purdy threw for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Now healthy and bearing the weight of the $250 million contract he signed prior to last season, Purdy needs to start 2026 on the right foot. San Francisco brought in wide receivers Mike Evans, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel Sr. in the offseason, and Purdy still has Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) as a safety valve. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) will be active but is expected to be on a pitch count. Purdy will not have it easy against the Rams after they bolstered their defense with the additions of Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson. If San Francisco's offensive line can keep him safe, Purdy can have a productive day given the options around him. He projects as a high-end QB2 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jakobi Meyers in Non-Contact Jersey Again on Thursday
For the second straight day in practice on Thursday, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (thumb) was seen wearing a non-contact jersey, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. It looks like Meyers will be a limited participant for the second straight day as the Jaguars prepare to face the Cleveland Browns in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday, but Meyers said himself that he will play this weekend despite dealing with a thumb injury. If Meyers can upgrade to a full practice on Friday, he could be removed from the final injury report altogether. Most likely, Meyers will be active against Cleveland on Sunday, where he will be competing for targets with Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. The 29-year-old caught 75 passes for 835 yards and three touchdowns in 16 total regular-season games last year with the Jags and Las Vegas Raiders, but his fantasy stock has fallen going into 2026 due to the emergence of Washington as quarterback Trevor Lawrence's favorite target. If Meyers plays on Sunday, fantasy managers should consider him a WR4/flex option.
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Sam Darnold To Miss Time, But Seahawks "Dodge a Bullet"
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) had an MRI exam on his injured hip on Thursday morning that team doctors are still reviewing to determine how much time he will miss, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Darnold is expected to miss some time, but for now the Seahawks believe that they "dodged a bullet," according to a source. Fantasy managers should not expect the 29-year-old to be ready to play by Week 2 in Arizona against the division-rival Cardinals, but it appears that he has avoided a long-term injury. We will continue to keep a close eye on Darnold's practice status for next week, but for now, it looks like backup Drew Lock will be making the start next weekend for Seattle in the desert. Overall, it will be a downgrade for Seattle's offense, but top wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba did just fine in Thursday's win over the New England Patriots after Darnold left, tallying over 100 receiving yards and his first touchdown of the year. Darnold went just 1-for-2 passing for 13 yards and was sacked once early in the Week 1 opener before leaving with his hip injury.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Charges
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest on Thursday to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that Brown County District Attorney David Lasee will not seek jail time for Jacobs, who was arrested in May in a domestic incident. However, Lasee will pursue a conviction on the battery count and will accept a deferred agreement on the criminal damage to property if Jacobs meets five conditions related to his no-contest plea. The Packers placed the 28-year-old RB on the commissioner's exempt list, where he is expected to remain until the legal process plays out. It is unclear if the NFL will then hand down a separate suspension for Jacobs, but he at least will be sidelined for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs' off-the-field legal issues have obviously damaged his fantasy football value quite a bit for the start of the season, but he should remain stashed in all leagues while the legal process plays out. Without Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd is expected to get the first crack at backfield duties in Green Bay, but both Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks could also be involved.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Jacoby Brissett Could be a Trade Candidate at Midseason
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler thinks that Arizona Cardinals veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett could be a midseason trade candidate if he plays well, but the Cardinals struggle to win. Brissett surprised a lot of people last year when he averaged 280.5 passing yards per start over 12 games when he took over for the injured Kyler Murray, but that was also in old offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's scheme with a completely different coaching staff. If the aforementioned scenario happens and Brissett is traded away at midseason, it would open a path for the Cardinals to see what they have in Carson Beck, a third-rounder back in April. The 33-year-old Brissett threw for a career-high 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games (12 starts) last year. He has strong receiving options in Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride, but the overwhelming consensus is that new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense will be more balanced in 2026, making Brissett a regression candidate in terms of his fantasy value in his 11th year in the NFL.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Seth McGowan's Long Road Leads to the Colts' RB2 Job
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan took a long route to his current spot behind Jonathan Taylor. Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star detailed the difficult road McGowan traveled after his career at Oklahoma ended following a 2021 arrest, with stops at Texas College, Butler Community College, New Mexico State and Kentucky before the Colts drafted him in the seventh round this spring. The football climb continued once he arrived. McGowan impressed Indianapolis with his physical running and receiving ability during camp, and he has now moved ahead of DJ Giddens on the current depth chart after opening the preseason behind him. That makes the rookie considerably more interesting for fantasy. Taylor still dominates this backfield, so there isn't much standalone value to chase right now. McGowan has nevertheless gone from a seventh-round flier to the Colts' No. 2 back, giving him real handcuff value if his role is ever forced to grow.
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Source: Joel A. Erickson
